Kids & Family

Volunteers Chip In at Community Lodgings

Economic Opportunities Commission held its "All Hands on Deck" day Saturday.

The Alexandria Economic Opportunities Commission held its “All Hands on Deck” public service day on Saturday at the Community Lodgings facilities in Arlandria.

Volunteers painted and cleaned the interior of Community Lodgings buildings and performed some exterior landscaping work as well. The nonprofit works to lift families from homelessness and instability to independence through temporary housing options and adult education programs.

The EOC secured funding for Saturday’s project from businesses and private donations. Potomac Paint and Design Centers, Tech Painting Company, La Casa Restaurant, , Monterey’s Pizza, Home Depot, Hungry for Music, , Atlantis, , , Firehouse Subs, Domino’s Pizza, Arlington Diner, Gold’s Gym, IndAroma and all chipped in.

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“In addition to the economic downturn, the City has lost thousands of affordable housing units in the past decade to new or renovated development,” EOC Chair said in a statement. “There is a real need here in Alexandria. With 'All Hands on Deck,' we are taking a step toward doing something as a community to help families and individuals get back on their feet. Together with our very generous donors and incredible team of volunteers, we are doing what we can to make ours a better community for all. As we know, however, the work continues day in and day out. The EOC hopes that the outreach and can-do spirit will carry on." 

Community Lodgings currently provides housing for 46 families and its transitional housing program provides housing and case management services to an average of 22 families per year.

Find out what's happening in Del Raywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Silberberg, who is one of 14 Democrats running for Alexandria City Council, said she specifically wanted to thank EOC Vice Chair Seena Foster for her work putting together this year’s “All Hands on Deck.”

Democratic City Council candidate , who is an EOC member, also volunteered his time on Saturday.


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